Purell: Friend or Foe?

Hand Sanitizing gel has become insanely popular these last few years, replacing old fashioned soap and water. In hospitals, dispensers adorn every room with signs everywhere reminding nurses and visitors alike to "Pump in, Pump out!", at reptile shops, shows and trade meetings vendors are requesting you use it before handling their animals.

But is it really safe?

Most sanitizers contain 60-90% alcohol (either ethyl or isopropyl), a stronger concentration than most hard liquors. One of the least common dangers is that they are highly flammable. A small amount of sanitizer can, if ignited, burn very hot very quickly, leading to personal injury
or property damage. But the most familiar danger is hand sanitizer poisoning, particularly for young children or pets who are attracted to the fun scents and bright colors of many sanitizers. Children have commonly gotten sick from biting fingernails, eating fingerfoods, and licking their hands after use, even some small tots have been caught drinking it. A safety site states,


"Even a small dose can be dangerous if ingested, leading to dizziness, slurred speech, headaches, and even brain damage or fatalities in extreme cases."


And for reptiles? All lizards and snakes and even some chelonians insist on licking everything as they explore their surroundings and mine always "taste" my hands whenever I take them out. And what about some reptiles and amphibians whose delicate skin is extremely sensitive to such toxic chemicals? If it's this dangerous for people, think about how much more harmful it is to your small curious reptile.


Here are some tips to avoid these dangers:

• Avoid using instant sanitizers whenever possible; opt for regular hand washing instead.
• Use only a dime-sized amount of sanitizer; too much liquid may not evaporate quickly and could be licked off fingers or palms.
• Use a foaming formula that will dry more quickly.
• Avoid using sanitizers on open wounds including paper cuts or hangnails, and avoid using before handling animals with delicate skin (such as your favorite tree frog) or animals with cuts, scrapes, ect.
• Keep sanitizer bottles away from heat sources such as incandescent light bulbs, heaters, or bright, direct sunlight.
• If using instant sanitizers while cooking or grilling, be sure hands are completely dry before approaching the heat source.
  

Individuals who want the convenience of instant sanitizers without the inherent risks of products with a high alcoholic content can opt for non-alcoholic formulas. Claims of their effectiveness vary widely, and even though they may not be as reliable as the alcohol-based gels, using any instant product is preferable to not washing your hands at all.

• Home Health Delivery
• Water Journey
• Soapopular
• Clean Well
  

In the end, good old soap and water remains the safest and best way to clean your hands, for you and your pets.
sources: snopes.com, lovetoknow.com, urban lore, fox news